Complete guide to international shipping from London in 2026

Which Courier Is Best for International Shipping from London?



Three couriers handle the vast majority of international express parcels from London: DHL Express, UPS Worldwide Express, and FedEx International Priority. We are an authorised service point for all three at our Kentish Town NW5 store, which means our customers access commercial rates typically 10 to 20 percent lower than booking directly on each courier's website.

DHL Express is our top recommendation for most international shipments. It has the broadest global network, the fastest transit times to most destinations and the strongest customs clearance teams at the receiving end. For parcels under 10kg going to the USA, Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa or Asia, DHL Express delivers the best combination of speed and value.

UPS Worldwide Express is competitive for heavier parcels above 10kg, particularly those going to the USA. If you are sending a large box or multiple items together, UPS frequently beats DHL on price at heavier weights. UPS also offers an excellent collection service from London addresses.

FedEx International Priority is strong for overnight document delivery to major US East Coast cities. At retail prices it is generally the most expensive option from London, and we typically recommend DHL or UPS for most customers unless they have a specific reason to use FedEx.

At our Kentish Town store we quote all three side by side for every customer and always recommend the most appropriate and affordable option for your specific parcel.



How Long Does International Shipping Take from London?

Via express courier from London, you can expect the following typical transit times in 2026:

USA and Canada receive parcels in 1 to 3 business days. New York and Los Angeles are typically 1 to 2 days. India receives parcels in 2 to 3 business days to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Europe is 1 to 2 business days via DHL Express to most EU countries. Australia takes 2 to 4 business days. UAE and Dubai arrive in 1 to 2 business days. Nigeria and West Africa arrive in 2 to 4 business days. Most other worldwide destinations are reachable in 2 to 5 business days.

Drop your parcel with us before 3pm on a weekday and it is collected the same day, giving you the fastest possible transit time to any destination.



What You Need to Know About Customs in 2026

Customs rules changed significantly in 2025 and 2026 and it is important to understand them before you ship.

The USA removed its $800 duty free de minimis exemption for commercial shipments in August 2025. Personal effects and genuine gifts between individuals are still subject to the $800 personal exemption for US residents, but commercial shipments now attract import duties regardless of value. Always declare your contents accurately on the customs form.

From July 2026 the European Union is removing its €150 duty free threshold for imports from outside the EU including the UK. A temporary €3 customs duty per item category now applies to parcels valued under €150 going into EU countries. This affects everyone sending goods from London to France, Germany, Spain, Italy and all other EU member states. The practical impact on most personal parcels is small but it does mean customs declarations need to be filled in more carefully than before.

For all international shipments the most important rule is simple: describe your contents accurately and specifically. Writing "gift" or "personal items" on a customs form is no longer acceptable to most customs authorities. Write exactly what is inside, for example "one pair of women's leather shoes, new" or "two cotton shirts, used, personal property." Vague descriptions are the single biggest cause of parcels being held at customs in 2026.

At our store we prepare all customs documentation for you as part of the service. You tell us what is in the parcel, show us a receipt if you have one, and we handle the rest.



5 Tips for Sending a Parcel Internationally from London

Keep your receipt. If you have purchased items you are sending abroad, bring the receipt. It helps us fill in the customs form correctly and protects you if a claim is ever needed.

Pack properly. Use a sturdy corrugated box, wrap every item individually and seal all edges with strong packing tape. Poorly packed parcels can be refused at the counter or arrive damaged with no insurance claim available.

Have the recipient phone number ready. Most international courier services require a working mobile number for the recipient. A missing number frequently causes failed delivery.

Consider insurance for valuable items. Standard courier liability is limited. For electronics, jewellery, designer goods or high value items, ask us about enhanced insurance based on the full declared value of your parcel.

Come to us rather than booking online. Shipping through our Kentish Town store saves you 10 to 20 percent compared to booking on a courier website, includes expert packing advice and means all customs paperwork is handled for you correctly the first time.



Where Can I Send International Parcels from in North London?

Postal & Courier Etc is located at 58 Chetwynd Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 1DJ. We are an authorised DHL Express, UPS and FedEx service point open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. We have been shipping parcels internationally since 2006 and send to over 220 countries every week.

Walk in with your parcel, tell us the destination and we will quote all three couriers, pack your item if needed, complete all customs documentation and give you a tracking number before you leave. No appointment needed. Call us on 020 7267 3131 for a free instant quote.

Postal & Courier Etc · 58 Chetwynd Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 1DJ · 020 7267 3131 · postalandcourieretc.com · Open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm.